Showing posts with label protest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protest. Show all posts
More disenchantment over Obama’s administration
In the weekend thousands rally in Capitol Hill to protest against overspending and Obama’s way of managing the government. This comes on the heels of more uncertainty over joblessness and doubts over the healthcare revamp the government is proposing to the Americans.
Under overcast skies, the demonstrators whose magnitude was greater than expected aired their anger ---accusing Obama of not following with his campaign promises. The protesters’ dissatisfaction came across vexing issues from excessive government spending, unemployment, budget deficit, healthcare and illegal alien.
“Liar! Liar! Liar! Liar!” the crowd shouted back, echoing the accusation that Representative Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina, hurled at the president three days earlier during his address to Congress.---New York Times (09/12,09, Zeleny, J.)
Dick Armey, former House Republican leader and member of Freedomworks who helped organize the rally assailed Obama’s lack of loyalty to the USA's founding fathers. Like Ruth Lobbs, a schoolteacher from Jacksonville, FL., Armey believed the president is violating the constitution.
There is wide public perception that Obama was not being honest with his policies. The details of his costly plan are confusing and hazy---suggesting his radical socialistic tendencies and ambivalent naivete.
Attended by citizens of all political stripes, the protests parallel the findings of the recent popularity polls showing Obama losing grip on approval ratings. He has lost a big fraction of his popularity capital since his spectacular win in the November election. The incongruence of his lofty rhetoric and uncertainty in the direction of the government cause more Americans to regret voting for him. But his ardent supporters are optimistic that bright days are ahead if his plans are put into action. Obama has a very short window period o prove he can be trusted. (Photo Credit: New York Times) =0=
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Protesting Imelda Marcos & recalling those who were entombed in the quick-drying cement of the MIFF building
In giving honor to Imelda Marcos, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) opened old wounds and new controversies---- bringing memories of the excesses of Marcos decades ago. An overhyped supporter of arts and culture, the former first lady was feted by her CCP friends with a glittery tribute which mny believed wasn’t well-deserved. Irate critics and victims of human rights violations went out of the rain to denounce Imelda on Friday, Septermber 11, 2009.
In a pattern to make the shoe-loving woman acceptable again, CCP officials insisted on Imelda’s support for the arts as needing recognition. They said her political notoriety was a separate issue. But those who could remember the horrid past believed the woman known for the "true, the good, and the beautiful" must be jailed.
“Tama na linawin natin sa mga kabataan ang papel ng mga Marcos sa kasaysayan. Si Imelda ay bahagi ng conjugal dictatorship noong panahon ng kanyang asawa (It’s only right to explain to the youth the role of the Marcoses in history. Imelda was part of a conjugal dictatorship during her husband’s time),"
“Ang dapat sa kanya, ikulong at pagbayarin (She deserves to be imprisoned and made to pay)," ---Antonio Tinio, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) National Chairman, Philstar (09/12/09, Calonzo, A.C.)
Imelda Marcos was part of the notorious dictatorial regime that caused pain, suffering and deaths of many Filipinos. As Ferdinand Marcos' wife, she was whimsical---her interest in the arts could be regarded as incidental. There was nothing outstanding in what she did---as she wallowed in self pride and misplaced extravagance.
The tribute for Imelda coincided with her husband's birth anniversary bringing to recall the bitter memories of corruption and influence-peddling during the Marcos administration. It was reported that when Imelda rushed the building for the Metro Manila International Film festival (MIFF) in the cultural and arts complex near Roxas Boulevard, a horrible construction accident occurred. The MIFF building caved in and caused the demise and entombment of many workers in the quick-drying cement. The horrific incident was hushed for she needed the show to go on. The victims couldn't complain; they were poor and powerless. Imelda came out clean as if nothing happened. (Photo Credit: Angeles624) =0=
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Supreme Court steps in the National Artist controversy
A lifetime recognition like being a National Artist carries prestige. People work hard to be worthy of such a coveted honor. Yet, for this year’s selection, sharp objections to 4 out of 7 nominees incite a firestorm of protests that has reached the Supreme Court (SC). The highest court in Manila temporarily put a hold order in the conferment of the award to thresh out a controversy.
The search for nominees of the prestigious recognition this year was undertaken by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCAA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) boards. A short list after a careful search of awardees was submitted for approval of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. But in an overextended exercise of power, it is alleged, the president dropped fpir (4) nominees namely Lazaro Francisco (posthumous) for literature), Dr. Ramon Santos (music), Manuel Conde (posthumous) for film and broadcast, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (visual arts, painting, sculpture, and mixed media).
Gloria instead chose Cecile Guidote Alvarez (theater), Magno Jose Carlo Caparas (visual arts and film), Jose 'Pitoy' Moreno (fashion design), and Francisco 'Bobby' Mañosa (architecture). The resultant controversy distracted the public from the parallel embarrassment brought by the extravagant dinners reported during Gloira's travel in the USA.
The president’s action on the nominees led to angry protests from at least four past Natioanl Artist awardees, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, community groups and private citizens. Airing their grievances in rallies, they who did not agree with GMA. The national artists insisted her choices were less worthy than those that were originally chosen by the selection body. They petitioned the SC to intervene and rule on the case.
It’s amazing how the wholesome and inspiring cultural exercise like choosing our National Artists can be corrupted. Though winners may receive the honor, recognition, and the monetary benefits that the award carries, it is extremely shameful, if true, that the list of nominees have been tampered by the president.
Inured to power abuse and corruption, Malacanang Palace tends to shrug off this new allegtion---another gross assault to our cultural pride. With dismay, we don't want the chief executive to trivialize the National Artist Award. We don't favor her whims and her brand of politics. (Photo Credits: Sheltercrow; Sneakyzoo) =0=
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Arroyo-Obama meeting: beholding the face of "god" & the desire to have a photo-op
There is unexplained elation in Gloria M. Arroyo’s “successful” meeting with Pres. Barack Obama. The president and her supporters show palpable delight, as if something big has been achieved after seeing the face of “god.” Whatever the achievement, the Filipinos are still scrambling to know.
If there is something uniquely surprising about the Filipino's expectation on the gains of meeting Pres. Obama, ask Sen. Lito Lapid. He said he would do anything to have a photograph with the most powerful man in the world---"I hope I’d be lucky enough to be chosen among the five that would be allowed to accompany the President when she meets Obama.” Such slobbering from a senator is odd.
Obama who is extremely popular in the Philippines sees that the county as the chief ally of America in Asia. In blurry terms, his statement that country will serve a “coordinating link” to the ASEAN countries is flattering. His conversation with GMA on regional security, the economy, foreign aid, and mutual cooperation may have pushed through, but the question is: how do their words become success for the country? What do their pronouncements mean? At best, if Arroyo achieved anything, not so many Filipinos understand.
That’s why in USA and in the Philippines there are murmurs of dissent. Fil-Am activists staged rallies in Washington and California to protest Arroyo’s corruption and human rights records. In Manila, Bayan members lambasted the president for a trip that they think won’t benefit the people. Many who disapprove of GMA took to the streets in a new wave of condemnation. There are those who are bitter to be reminded that the Philippines is still a “colony” and serves as an “errand” boy of America. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Jim Young; Reuters/ Romeo Ranoco) =0=
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Iran opposition stages protest in a cemetery
Coinciding the 40th day of the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, the martyred Iranian oppositionist killed in a riot on July 20, 2009, protest against the regime was held on Iran’s biggest cemetery. Thousands of reformists gathered in the burial site to pay tribute to Neda and those who died in the riots. They continued their campaign against the heavy-handed leadership of the cleric-dominated Islamic government.
Breaking the government’s order banning public assemblies, the protest movement had become a nationwide fight against the rigged reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the June 12, 2009 voting. Demanding human rights, the oppositionists called for the release of political detainees and called for "Death to the dictator," referring to Amadinejad.
Since the protests began, many were arrested, incarcerated, beaten, and mercilessly killed by the powerful security forces of the current regime. In its unrelenting crack-down against dissent and freedom, the Iranian government announced that trials for arrested “rioters” will on August 1, 2009.
Relatives of those who died complained that authorities forced them to sign documents saying their loved ones died of natural causes, not a result of the brutality of the police. It appears the government will face more dissent from the opposition. To keep control, leaders are likely to use more inhumane and hard measures against those considered as “enemies” of the Islamic state. (Photo Credit: Iran 360; Reuters/ Saygin Serdaroglu) =0=
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Government calls for MILF ceasefire before GMA’s SONA
In a waxing and waning way of handling the Mindanao separatist movement, the Philippine government again suspended its military offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF,) about 5 days before Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo delivers her state of the nation address (SONA) on July 27, 2009.
Spokesmen from the administration are ecstatic over the ceasefire which they believe will allow about 300,000 civilians to return home to their farms.
But the heavily unpopular president with a poor approval rating was quickly criticized for using the ceasefire to prop up her image---- that her handling of the decades-old Mindanao rebellion had significant gains and in the right direction.
To air their grievances, a 15,000-strong protest-rally are being readied by oppositionists from Manila and other provinces to complain against President Arroyo's final State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“It’s all media-hype. I’m sure her decision will not change the situation in Mindanao. Undoubtedly, she is creating a situation that is favorable to her SONA," Political analyst Ramon Casiple, executive director of the non-government Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. GMANews.TV (07/23/09)
Many observers in the protracted peace process are cynical about the outcome of the conflict. The question of sincerity hangs. They see the same pattern of political maneuvers and hollow claims of peace gains that aren’t far from why the Israel-Palestinian problem has not been resolved for many decades. (Photo Credit: Manolet Santiago/ Malaya) =0=
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Transport strike and wounding of transport leader in Albay
The militant group "Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Drayber at Transport Operator Nationwide" (PISTON) had been fighting the astronomical rise of prices of fuel. In the wake of this, Joel Ascutia, leader of a transport group in Albay, Bicol was seriously wounded by gunshot fired by unknown men last Monday. Nationwide protests were simultaneously held by transport workers and members of various organizations in the country including key locations in MetroManila.
“Supt. Antonio J. Freyra, Daraga police chief, said Joel Ascutia, Bicol regional president of Condor (Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform), was in a jeepney parked in front of a gasoline station on Rizal Street when the unidentified assailants fired at him. He underwent an operation at a hospital to remove bullets in his abdomen and was declared in stable condition.”---Inquirer (07/14/09, Nasol, RM et al )
Condor-Piston leaders in Bicol held a protest rally on the spot where Ascutia was shot. According to Tessa Lopez of Bayan-Albay, the strike which also dramatized complaints against high penalties for road violations, was successful in most parts of Bicol, temporarily paralyzing traffic and movement of the people. The drivers group based in Naga City, however, did not participate in the mass action. (Photo Credit: Sfynnx) =0=
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Iran election crisis continues as the world watches
Opposition to the recent election which civil society deemed fraudulent continued with thousands of angry protesters clashing with government security officers in Iran. Supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi, the defeated rival of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continued to spill into Tehran streets to denounce the rigged election last June 12, 2009 in spite of warnings from the Revolutionary Guard to be prepared for a bloody confrontation.
The protesters who were attacked by teargas, truncheons, and guns demanded a rerun of the election that was riddled with irregularities.
Iranian TV reported at least 17 so far were killed and more than 400 were wounded in last Saturday’s riots. One of those who died was Neda Soltani, a young woman whose demise had become the inspiration of more mass actions. A memorial service for the martyred lady was rejected by authorities to prevent her from becoming a flashpoint of continued rebellion.
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said: “We are worried and particularly saddened over the violence and loss of life that this is creating and we ask the Iranian government to urgently adopt conditions to create a peaceful solution to the internal crisis. The right to safeguard human lives comes before everything else.“---Iran Daily (06/22/09)
US Pres. Barack Obama expressed his support to the protesters, but many criticize him for not speaking strongly for human rights and democratic principles.
In the past few days, the US, Britain, France, and other European countries asked the Iranian leadership to respect human rights, democratic process, and halt all violence against the people. The Iranian government responded by calling these countries “irresponsible and intrusive.”
As the protesters mull on their next move, a demonstration has been scheduled on Thursday, June 25, 2009. In solidarity with the Iranian protesters, similar rallies against the Iranian rogue regime have been staged in London, Hamburg, Paris, Berlin, Istanbul, Washington, Kuwait City, Tokyo, and other major cities of the world. (Photo Credit: PD; AFP; Reuters/ Farhad Rajabali) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Protests against Iran’s contested election continue" Posted by mesiamd at 6/16/2009; "Ahmadinejad wins in Iranian election" Posted by mesiamd at 6/14/2009
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Protests against Iran’s contested election continue
Riots against the alleged fraudulent landslide re-election of hardliner Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad grew in the streets of Tehran. Thousands of irate Iranians clashed with the police injuring many and killing at least one person in the largest protest since 1979.
Droves of pro-democracy forces and opposition activists loyal to rival candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi continued to vent anger to the rigging of the election. It prompted supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was originally supportive of the election result to order an investigation into the alleged voter anomalies.
World leaders expressed concern over the continued chaos in the streets which have ramifications to the stalled diplomatic overtures to have Iran abandon its nuclear program.
While evaluating the suspected landslide win of Ahmadinejad, Pres. Barack Obama said it’s up for the Iranians to choose their leaders. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared support to look into the contested presidential election. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband voiced "serious concern" while French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed worry over Iran’s political situation. (Photo Credit: Mark Baker/ AP; AP; Behrouz Mehri/ AFP/ Getty Images.=0=
UPDATE: June 16, 2007---7 Iranians protesting the cheating in the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were gunned down in a public square during a confrontation with riot policemen.
RELATED BLOG: "Ahmadinejad wins in Iranian election" Posted by mesiamd at 6/14/2009
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Ahmadinejad wins in Iranian election
In a disputed election last Friday, June 12, 2009, Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won over his chief rival reformist Mir-Hossein Mousavi sparking riots and protests in Tehran and other Iranian streets. With allegations of election fraud, Ahmadinejad’s winning gives him another 4-year term to pursue his promised “bright and glorious” future for Iran which is actively pursuing its dangerous nuclear program.
"Many backers took this call to the streets. Thousands of protesters — mostly young men — roamed through Tehran looking for a fight with police and setting trash bins and tires ablaze. Pillars of black smoke rose among the mustard-colored apartment blocks and office buildings in central Tehran. In one side road, an empty bus was engulfed in flames."---AP (06/14/09, Johnson, A; Murphy, B.)
Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei brushed aside the protests over Friday’s vote and welcomed the 80% election turnout. The Interior Ministry disclosed that Ahmadinejad garnered more than 63% and Mousavi received 35%.
“Iran in turmoil will not be ready to engage Obama," said Bruce Riedel, veteran US inteligence official…. Congress and pro-Israel conservatives, already strongly critical of Ahmadinejad, will undoubtedly press Obama to put a tight deadline on his overture to Iran. They are expected to urge him to move on to tougher measures, such as economic sanctions or military action, to try to compel Tehran to give up its nuclear ambitions.” LA Times (06/14/09, Richter, P)
Ahmadinejad advocates the destruction and annihilation of Israel. He brings fresh challenge in keeping the balance of peace in the Middle East. Like Mousavi, he supports terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. His election will make it harder for the United States, UN, and their allies to pursue a peaceful resolution against the nuclear threat Iran poses to the world.
US Sec. of State Hillary Clinton doubts whether Ahmadinejad won by landslide victory----something that the Iranian people must decide.
(Photo Credit: LA Times/ AP/ Ben Curtis) =0=
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Huge street protest held against Cha-Cha and Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
A huge crowd of more than 10,000 Filipinos converged in Makati City, Manila’s financial district to denounce House Resolution (HR) 1109 which sought the gathering of a constituent assembly to amend the Philippine constitution. The resolution was the brainchild of Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s allies who wanted a charter change (Cha-cha) whose objective was to extend the president’s hold to power.
“We are dismayed that instead of prioritizing the needs of majority of starving Filipino children who are forced to work and help their parents put food on the table because of widespread unemployment and layoffs, these pro-Arroyo congressmen outdo each other in trying to protect a very unpopular president,” asserted Sophia Garduce, spokesperson for SALINLAHI Alliance for Children’s Concerns.
“Malacañang’s spokespersons have taken turns in defending the President, insisting that Mrs. Arroyo had no knowledge or blessing of the plot to force con-ass in the House. And yet she has not done anything to rein in her allies in Congress from pursuing their political adventurism,” said Sen. Pia Cayetano. Philstar (06/11/09, Aurea Calica and Jose Rodel Clapano)
The multisectoral group of citizens which include senators, prominent government officials and celebrities took turns on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in castigating 117 congressmen who approved the resolution without the participation of the senators. They believed this time was not the right moment to change the constitution that would advance political ambitions and perpetuate the corrupt administration of Mrs. Arroyo. Similar peaceful rallies were scheduled in provinces outside Manila.(Photo Credit: Malaya/ Manolet Santiago) =0=
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Obama addresses Notre Dame University amid protests
Pres. Barack Obama finally was able to attend the commencement exercises of Notre Dame University on March 17, 2009 amid protests for his stance against abortion. In what many Catholic bishops consider as a scandal, the school went on to give the president an honorary degree which offended many.
There were at least 27 protesters arrested during the graduation rites who believe that terminating the life of the unborn is intrinsically wrong. They believe having Obama in the Catholic university receiving an honorary degree damages the moral teaching of the Church.
“Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as the president began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled, 'Stop killing our children'"--YahooNews.com/ AP (05/17/09, Pace, J)
To assuage his audience, Obama, a staunch abortion advocate called for understanding saying that willful termination of pregnancy should be rare. But many of his opponents who know how the president had used words to his advantage doubt if this will be true. (Photo Credit: Supernova)=0=
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Protesters send 300,000 signatures versus Obama speaking in Notre Dame University graduation
The first 300,000 signatories against honoring Pres. Barack Obama and opposing his presence in the Notre Dame University’s commencement exercises have been delivered to the university president Fr. John Jenkins and the individual members of the school’s board of trustees.
Spearheaded by the Cardinal Newman Society, the signature campaign with the blessing of about 50 bishops is on time for Friday’s deliberation to reconsider the decision.
“Copies of the petitions are also being rushed by The Cardinal Newman Society, which sponsored the petition, to Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican ambassador) to the United States; Francis Cardinal George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Bishop John D’Arcy, of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who presides over Notre Dame; and Bishop Robert McManus, Chairman of the USCCB Education Committee.” ---- Patrick J. Reilly, President, The Cardinal Newman Society
It's the first time this year since 1883 that no recipient of the award will be honored. The invitation of Obama to address the graduation has caused bitter divisions among Catholics. The university’s charter prescribes against inviting people with Obama's pro-abortion stand. In part, is says says:
"The essential character of the University as a Catholic institution of higher learning shall at all times be maintained, it being the stated intention and desire of the present Fellows of the University that the University shall retain in perpetuity its identity as such an institution."
As this develops, the university decided not to give its top graduation honor to Mary Ann Glendon, a Harvard University law professor and anti-abortion scholar who rejected the award, saying the school shouldn't be honoring Obama for propagating abortion and stem cell research. Replacing Glendon speak, the school invited a federal judge John T. Noonan Jr., a federal judge and former recipient of the award. (Photo Credit: Hogan27's world) =0=
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American serviceman’s acquittal could discourage future lawsuits against rape by foreigners
“Tearfully, bewildered, alone and confused, in a strange place, dumped in a curb literally with her pants down, she remembered her mother and what she would say. She remembered too, her boyfriend Brian. She had to hit back in the only way she could – to salvage, at least, a vestige of her self-esteem." ---Court of Appeals on Nicole. Malaya (04/24/09, De Vera, E)
After a protracted trial of US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith who was accused and found guilty of rape, the Court of Appeals (CA) on review of the case, reversed the decision. He was earlier sentenced to 40 years in prison while criminal charges on his companions namely, Smith, Staff Sgt. Chad Carpentier, and Lance Corporals Keith Silkwood and Dominic Duplantis were dropped.
Accused by a 23 year-old Filipina named Nicole, Smith who was part of US troop contingent participating in a military exercise, was acquitted after “a careful and judicious perusal of evidence” did not convince Associate Justice Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa of his guilt. After his acquittal on Friday, April 24, 2009, the American serviceman was released from detention and immediately left the country.
Nicole who is now in the United States received P100,000 from the accused as compensatory damage ruled by the Regional Trial Court of Makati City. On March 12, 2009, she recanted and signed an affidavit expressing doubts on the accuracy of her testimony that Smith raped her. She said she was too drunk to ever know.
The case drew street rallies in Manila which find the overturned rape conviction degrading to Filipinos. Angry protesters slammed the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement which they believe is lopsided in favor of the Americans. They suspected Nicole have been pressured to recant her accusations to the detriment of other women who might be placed in a similar situation.
Sen. Francis Escudero aired his dissatisfaction over the CA decision saying, ““It’s really saddening to see that Filipinos, who have been victims of discrimination overseas, are even placed at a disadvantage against foreigners in their own country.”
“Before fingers are pointed at Nicole again for doing a disservice to her own defense by virtue of her retraction and the choice for a normal life, we stand firm to our view that Daniel Smith’s acquittal is nothing but a consummated process of betrayal perpetrated by both the US and the Philippine governments,”----Partido ng Mangagawa spokesman Judy Ann Miranda Philstar.com (04/265/09, Calica, A)
Blistering reactions came from Sens. Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez and Zamboanga Rep. Maria Isabel Climaco-Salazar.
Organizations like the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM,) Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP,) Bikolano Alliance for Nationalism against Balikatan (BAN BALIKATAN,) Gabriela and EnGendeRights joined the government leaders in assailing CA’s decision of setting Smith off the hook.
It looked like a “happy” ending for Nicole and Daniel. But the case stirred fresh opposition to the American military presence in the Philippines and opened new accusations of RP’s subservience to the United States as reflected in RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement. After the his conviction (pending result of the appeal,) Smith was handled by the US embassy and not by the Philippine prison.
Street protests were held condemning the CA decision; irate Filipinos felt they got the bitter part of an insulting deciison. Doubts lingered whether justice was served. The suspicion of “behind the scene” maneuvers that absolved the US marine of culpability remained. During the alleged rape it was clear Nicole was too drunk to have the mental faculties to decide for a “consensual” sex.
It's outrageous how the justice system of the country is manipulated to suit an ending that is expedient, but detrimental to the credibility of the courts. The handling of Smith's case can thwart future prosecution of foreigners who commit crime in the country.(Photo Credit: AP/ Pat Roque x 3) =0=
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“Tea Party” as a venue for anti-Obama protests on tax day
The parting words on page 195 of James Delingpole, the British political commentator, in his book, “Welcome to Obamaland--- I have seen your future and it doesn’t work” seem to sum up the ire and dread of the tens of thousands who attended the “Tea Party” today, April 15, 2009:
“Well, we’re nearly done and I know just how you’re feeling. Terrible. The land you love has been hijacked by a bunch of left-liberal fruitcakes. They don’t have much of an idea how to fix the economy. But they do know exactly how to ruin your life. And they will.”
As US citizens rush for the last day of filing of the 2008 income tax, a sizeable number of Americans across many cities held their “tea parties” to vent their anger and opposition to the tax increases and the astronomical spending of the Obama administration. A big crowd gathered right in Washington, DC close to the White House.
Barely a hundred days in office, Pres. Barack Obama confronts this opposition of Republicans and conservatives who may serve as the nucleus of a grassroots fight against massive bail-outs, heavy taxation, and spending which put taxpayers’ money on line and endanger the finances of children of the next generation.
Supported by conservative news media and radio talk shows, people gathered to vent their criticisms, doubts, and frustration on the direction the United States is going. They expressed anger over what’s going on in the government which was once thought to be too big to fail.
From New York to Washington, Miami to Boston, Sacramento, CA to Chicago, Nashiville to Denver and other cities, the tea parties materialized, taking inspiration from TV commentator Rick Santelli. The guy suggested a "tea party" to protest government bailouts which leave distrust and uncertainty over the heads of Americans.
Yet, the anti-Obama opposition is given little attention by liberal media people. That's partly because like the slobbering Obama fans, majority of Americans truly believe the president will come out triumphant with his prosperity plan through greater government control and massive spending.
“Gallup polls released this week found that 53% of Americans approve of the expansion of the U.S. government to help fix the economy, even if most of that group wants it scaled back once the crisis abates. And 48% think that the amount of federal income taxes they pay is "about right," a finding that shows anti-tax sentiment near a historic low for the last five decades.”---Los Angeles Times (04/15/09, Finnegan, M; Hook, J)
The Democrats and their liberal supporters who dominate the legislature are quick to be disparaging. They dismiss the leaders of tea parties as rabble-rousers wanting of significant public support. They can’t see (or pretend not to) the tea parties as upswells of opposition waiting for Obama to falter.
The president’s popularity is high at this time. He appears to be well in control to sway the support of the people. However, as the economy crisis drags on and public confidence persists to be low, he got only a small window period to prove that he can deliver what he promised. (Photo Credit: AP/ Seth Perlman; AP/ Paul Sakuma; AP/ Mark Humphrey) =0=
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Thailand riots bring 2 dead and 70 hurt
The weekend anti-government protests in Pattaya had spread to the capital city of Bangkok leaving 2 people dead and wounding at least 70 people. Demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the rowdy rioters threw improvised gasoline bombs and engaged hundreds of heavily-armed soldiers in a road junction in the city.
Earlier last weekend, protesters successfully disrupted and put the 14th ASEAN summit in Pattaya to a halt. Rioters were able to break the cordon of security, forcing foreign leaders to flee by helicopters. The unrest was aggravated with the arrest of former pop singer Arisman Pongreungrong, who was charged with inciting unrest and attempting to kidnap the prime minister.
Thousands of protesters burned tires and hurled stones and improvised bombs on the streets. To quell the disturbance, Abhisit ordered a state of emergency on Sunday in the Thai capital. Firing shots in the air and using water cannons to disperse the crowd, military officers arrested undetermined number of protesters who are supporters of the ex Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who went on exile after a military coup ousted him in 2006.
“Thailand has had four prime ministers in the past 15 months, none of whom has been able to heal the country's political divisions. The latest factional violence ¬follows warnings from some observers that the country is in danger of slipping into a "mobocracy".
Thailand's political crisis has been escalating since last year amid deep disagreements over what the nature of the political system should be in the aftermath of the 2006 military coup, one of 18 that the country has witnessed since the ended 150 of years of absolute monarchy in 1932.”---Guardian.co.uk (04/13/09, Tran, M & agencies)
Countries including the Philippines, France, Britain, Australia, the United States, South Korea, Russia and Hong Kong called on their respective citizens to avoid traveling to Thailand at this time. Those who are already inside the country are advised to avoid places of protests.
Though Abhisit is confident to restore peace and order, there is little indication that the divisiveness and unrest in the Thailand will be settled in the near future. (Photo Credit: AP/ Wason Wanichakom/ AFP Graphic/ Narong Sangnak/ EPA/ Guardian.co.uk) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "14th ASEAN Summit disrupted by Thai rioters" Posted by mesiamd at 4/12/2009
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14th ASEAN Summit disrupted by Thai rioters
The ASEAN meeting was postponed indefinitely when anti-government rioters stormed the convention of leaders slated on April 11-12, 2009 in a resort town of Pattaya, Thailand. About a 1,000 noisy protesters broke the security cordon of the participants from 10 ASEAN member nations and those of Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. They were there to discuss the economy, trade, and regional security.
Philippine Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo who remained calm, left via a private plane from the top of Royal Cliff Hotel. Other leaders where brought to the safety of the U-Tapao military airfield near Pattaya where planes for the foreign leaders were waiting.
The embarrassed fragile government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Pattaya, a place 50 kilometers from the Thai capital city of Bangkok. Red-shirted angry Thai rioters banging tables and overturning chairs, barged the convention complex calling for the resignation of Abhisit. (Photo Credit: AdaptorPlug) =0=
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Hongkong’s Chip Tsao & his cheap racial slur against Filipinos
Tsao in part wrote in his HK magazine column:
“Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter."
“As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.”---Chip Tsao
Reactions of Filipinos
“The most racist, insulting and demeaning attack yet against Filipino domestic helpers."---Migrante International Sec. Gen. Gina Esguerra
“His very announcement that he gave her Filipino maid a harsh lecture and warned her to tell every one of her compatriots that Spartly Islands belong to China or she’d lose her wages, is already a sign of an unstable, irresponsible and racist employer who resorts to verbal abuse even for perceived bilateral and historic infractions. Luisa deserves a sane and more humane employer while he deserves to clean up his own filth.” -----Susan Ople, Blas F. Ople Policy Center.
"According to the meeting of leaders of the Filipino community, they are now preparing street protests]… The sentiment of our countrymen here is that the one who wrote the article, Chip Tsao, should apologize." ----Romulo Salud, labor attache of the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong
“We will look into that because we should not be provoked by one columnist. What that writer did was reprehensible. Let’s see what needs to be done. Press Sec. Cerge Remonde:
"If Filipinos stop going to Hong Kong, their economy would collapse. I propose a six-month, nay a one-year boycott of Hong Kong and let's see what happens to their shops and hotels. We can do without going to HK and HK products." ---- Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez Golez.
"I don’t think we should dignify his (Tsao) statement as he is just one person and not a government or Hong Kong official but it is understandable that we are offended,” -----Pres. Spokesman Lorelei Fajardo
"That comment is uncalled for, it's atrocious. We should protest vigorously against this slur against Filipino workers in Hong Kong," ----Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco
“I am not asking the DFA file a diplomatic protest. But our government must address this squarely and defend the dignity of Filipinos, If we need to take legal action against Tsao, let us do so. Our government should be in the frontline on this; they can hire a lawyer in Hong Kong if at all and file a case for damages.” ---Sen Francis Escudero
"This disgusting, derogatory, and vile remark can only come from dim-witted and mediocre writing. The magazine should apologize straightaway. The article reflects the kind of attitude that promotes abuses against Filipina workers," ----Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros
“Filipinos deserve no less than a formal public apology."---Sen. Pia Cayetano
"It's the view of one person and we don't think it is shared by the Hong Kong community and society... I think we ought to take it as that." ----DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya
“Because of the administration’s failed employment policies, a record number of Filipino women have been forced to seek jobs abroad to make ends meet.”--- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay
"For the protection of migrant workers, the POEA should look into the said allegations, not only confined to forms of physical abuse but also emotional abuse such as public humiliation and verbal harassment."--- Sen. Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri (Photo Credit: Mattviews) ==0=
RELATED BLOG: "A “nation of servants” insults Filipinos in Hongkong" Posted by mesiamd at 3/30/2009
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Iceland’s government fails as the economic crisis worsens
After attempts to reverse Iceland's financial crisis since October last year, Reykjavik's government has collapsed amid street protests from citizens who set fires and hold noise barrages with pots and saucepans. Having lost trust in government, angry Icelanders protest a mismanaged economy, worsening joblessness, and rising cost of goods.
Prime Minister Geir Haarde couldn’t quell the public’s disappointment after Iceland’s currency lost its value and banks failed that mirrored the financial troubles in Wall Street and many countries in Europe.
“The IMF announced in November it would pump about $827 million into the Icelandic economy immediately, with another $1.3 billion coming in eight installments. Iceland's Nordic neighbors -- the governments of Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden -- announced they would lend Iceland another $2.5 billion.”---CNN.com/europe (01/25/09, Nyeberg, P)
Calling for an earlier election in May, Haarde, who had been afflicted with cancer, resigned and announced he wouldn’t run for another election. Fearing national bankruptcy, he dissolved the coalition government he headed--- formed by the Social Democrat party and Independence party.
With the government’s future uncertain, the island-country’s figurehead President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson said he would consult with Iceland's four main political parties before asking that an interim government is formed.
Similar economic and political troubles are happening in many parts of the world as well. Hard hit are the economies of the United States (USA) and Great Britain which have embarked on their respective financial remedies. The outlook of the crisis at this time is grim even if economic bail-out packages at the expense of taxpayers have been laid out. Nobody seems to know how and when the financial mess will end. Ordinary citizens are left confused and fearful of what next will happen. (Photo Credit: Nele en Jan; Jon Palma)=0=
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GMA’s ditch-low approval rating, her kiddie “payback package" for OFW's & a big store in Naga City rises
Negative (-30)President Gloria M. Arroyo gets the lowest satisfaction rating in 2008, much lower than the (-)9 she got the year before. The Social Weather Survey (SWS) result from the 4th quarter poll at the end of November is thought to be bad. It attests to the unpopularity of the administration that’s wracked by corruption and nepotism, believed to be worse than that of Ferdinand Marcos.
Unresolved issues like joblessness, floundering economics, the Bolante fertilizer scam, Euro generals money laundering case, unabated maritime disasters, journalist killings, charter-change controversy, poor education and healthcare, Mindanao secessionist problem, CARP extension, unimplemented cheap medicine law, and the big C (Corruption) noticed by watchers abroad are in the long list of problems that stun the public.
P1.4 trillion
It’s the 2009 national budget which is approved in the second and last deliberation in the senate. Notable in the budget are less allocations for the Department of Agrarian Reform by P3.1 billion, Energy P61 million, Finance 13 million, Local Governments P436 million, Justice P215 million, Armed Forces P75 million, Public Works P3.4 billion, Social Welfare P243 million, and National Economic Development Authority by P25 million. The budget cuts on certain services are allocated in other areas. A P10 billion economic fund is being considered, but no appropriations are set aside for the Office of the Press Secretary, the Philippine Tourism Authority and Kilos Asenso.
4,000SM, the large monopolistic mall-chain owned by business mogul Henry Sy, Sr. in the Phiippines, is making preparations to open its outlet in Naga City on March 2009. About 4,000 job-seekers are needed in the operation which is estimated to generate $12 million in wages and P40 million in taxes. Expected to compete with small stores of the area, SM may draw shoppers in neighboring towns.
The exact effects of such a huge business in the city of 160,000 people aren’t completely known. Will there be congestion in the city? Will money windfall benefit the Bicolanos? Will profits be carted away from the area and render the mom-and-pop stores struggling to survive? Did the Naga City officials do a thorough study on the cost-benefit of approving an SM store?
50,000As a result of the global economic crisis, the number of Filipinos abroad expected to be laid off has increased. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo has laid out a “payback package” assistance for retrenched overseas foreign workers (OFW’s,) a tepid offering of skills training, scholarships, and measly P10,000 ($200) to start a “business” upon their return to the country.
15,000
Participants of the Manila’s anti-charter change (cha-cha) rally were larger than expected, according to Makati mayor Jejomar Binay, the president of the United Opposition. More protests against Cha-cha and other frustrating issues are on the works with broadened support from various organizations. (Photo Credits: gmaresign; doublefault2; arty; gmaresign=0=
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